LG Adds YouTube and CinemaNow in 2009

While everyone is debating which will rule: Blu-ray or Internet downloads, some companies are hedging their bets. LG will be supporting YouTube and CinemaNow in their 2009 Blu-ray players, in addition to the Netflix support that their current players have.

With this new upgrade . . .

users can check out YouTube's offerings or the pay-per-view options on CinemaNow, including the other stores that use CinemaNow's pipeline, all directly through these new Blu-ray players.

From the press release: LG Electronics today announced the expansion of network
entertainment options for its Network Blu-ray Disc players through new
alliances with CinemaNow and YouTube(TM).

Available on new LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players in the first half
of 2009, these new services complement LG's instant streaming from
Netflix and advanced Blu-ray capabilities to deliver consumers an
exceptional entertainment experience. (In 2008, LG was the world's
first manufacturer to stream movies instantly from Netflix on a Network
Blu-ray Disc Player.)

CinemaNow - an innovator in digital entertainment technology,
delivering high-quality movies, TV shows and videos to users through
online connectivity - and YouTube - a leading online video community
for people to discover, watch, and share originally created videos -
will be available in LG's 2009 line of Network Blu-ray Disc players to
be unveiled next week at the 2009 International CES(R).

"As millions of U.S. consumers view and download movies or TV shows
through the Internet, they are demanding easier ways to access content
and more home entertainment options," said

Tim Alessi

, director of product development, LG Electronics USA.

"From Blu-ray to instant streaming from Netflix to CinemaNow and
YouTube, LG is bridging the gap between packaged media and
video-on-demand services to provide entertainment solutions for
consumers' demand for content," he said. "With these new alliances, LG
continues its innovation leadership by allowing consumers easy access
to multiple entertainment options in one device."

Tell us: do you really want/need to be able watch YouTube through your Blu-ray player? —Leslie Shapiro